Supplements and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

There’s more to managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) than just the pill. In fact, I rarely start patients on the oral contraceptive pill as a first line treatment. Why? Because women with PCOS don’t suffer from a deficiency in the pill. Also, you can’t be taking the pill if you are trying to conceive.

Important issues to address first are diet and making positive changes to daily eating habits. Supplements are used to support dietary changes. Remember, you can’t have a terrible diet and expect miracles by just taking supplements. The changes I recommend are regardless of whether women want to fall pregnant or not.

I advise you take supplements with the guidance of your doctor and/or qualified naturopath/ nutritionist/dietician.

Treat supplements like drugs as too low a dose they may not be effective, too high and they may cause serious side effects.

Mostly, these supplements have one thing in common: their effects on insulin, the possible root cause of PCOS.

Vitamin D

So many women are Vitamin D deficient. Its deficiency is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, which women with PCOS are already at risk of.

Magnesium

Women with PCOS are more likely to be Magnesium deficient than women without PCOS. It is a key player in more than 300 biochemical reactions. The majority of hormone reactions also depend on Magnesium. From regulating blood sugar levels to supporting muscle and nerves, you don’t want to be deficient in this member of the periodic table.

B group Vitamins

The energy house. They help the food we consume be converted into energy. They are also crucial in ‘methylation’ – an essential metabolic process that modifies gene expression and supports DNA, absolutely essential if you are trying for a baby. Vegetarians are more likely to be deficient in B group vitamins, as are women on Metformin and the oral contraceptive pill (two drugs commonly used to manage PCOS). B vitamins support hormone metabolism.

Chromium

Helps enhance the action of insulin and support healthy glucose metabolism. It also supports cholesterol metabolism, important as women with PCOS are more likely to develop high cholesterol. Chromium, can cause blood sugar levels to drop, so don’t take this if you’re on drugs for diabetes such as metformin. Check with you doctor first.

N- Acetylcysteine

An amino-acid based compound which helps improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS who are insulin resistant (1)

Myo-Inositol

Studies show that inositols improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

One RCT study in Fertility Sterility, showed that women who took this supplement for 3 months before IVF had better quality embryos and pregnancy rates compared to this who did not take it. (2)

In a study published in Gynaecol Endocrinol, this supplement helped women restore their menstrual cycles and fall pregnant. (3)

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About The Author

Dr Andreadis is a Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist in Sydney, Australia. She has also trained in genetics, nutrition and health coaching. She is an Expert on Sarah Wilson’s I Quit Sugar 8 week Program.
Natasha is experienced in managing a wide range of fertility issues such as endometriosis, ovulation issues, miscarriage, unexplained infertility and PCOS.
She is expert at fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI and genetic testing of embryos and is a practitioner with Genea, World Leaders in Fertility.
Natasha believes that food is medicine and enjoys lifestyle coaching women and couples who are trying to conceive.
In order to help boost natural fertility, she advises on pre-pregnancy diet, which may vary depending on a patient’s medical condition and genetic make-up.
Dr Andreadis has a YouTube channel –DR Tash TV, where she highlights the importance of diet, lifestyle, nutrition and environment when trying for a baby.
www.drandreadis.com.au